Category: Review

This year I’ve become obsessed with “Essentialism”. It’s the idea of only focussing on the things you truly need/enjoy, as well as a system of prioritising the stuff you really care about. For a lifelong clutterer and “busy” person, this...

Sometimes the most important consideration when choosing a backpack is whether or not it’s waterproof. If you’re riding around town with your valuables – such as your laptop – and there’s a downpour on the horizon, you don’t want to...

The biggest challenge I face when talking about Discerning Cyclist is explaining that it’s not a website about sporty cycling clothes (like Lycra products), but instead about everyday clothes that are great for cycling in. When it comes to cycling...

Ahhhh… the bicycle helmet. Probably the least cool looking thing in the world apart from socks and sandals. Some see helmets as a necessity when cycling and consider those who fail to wear them to be dicing with death. On...

An advert from Förskel Originals popped up on my Facebook newsfeed a while back. It showed a damn good-looking pair of shorts that were apparently designed for swimming, while boasting plenty of stretch for active folk – ideal for cycling....

If you want to carry small practical things on your ride, such as pumps, inner tubes or even bottles – but hate riding with bags or stuffed pockets – the Louri bike straps may well be a useful addition. Now,...

Over the past couple of years, I’ve become more and more fascinated with the idea of a minimalist way of life – and in particular, a minimal wardrobe. Essentially, I want my life to be full practical stuff I need,...

It can be a fine line that separates gimmicks from genuinely useful products. And Helmetor is treads very close to that line. For some, nothing will convince them that Helmetor is anything but an expensive screw (it costs £9.99). But...

If you’re on the look out for a cool bike tee shirt or two, then a virtual drop-by at T-lab is recommend. T-lab is a small British clothing label that offers a distinctive range of t-shirts (as well as some...

If you want a tough waterproof backpack for cycling, the Craft Cadence IPX5 is more than a worthy contender. This isn’t one of “will it/won’t it?” waterproof backpacks that are “water resistant” and should keep your stuff dry in all...

For me, one of the greatest challenge when riding a bike is signalling while turning. I always feel a bit unsteady if I’ve got one hand pointing at where I want to go, while the other tries to navigate me...

When it comes to bags, there are many options available to urban cyclists: the messenger bag – as popularised by bike couriers, pannier bags and of course, the good old backpack. While many may disagree with me from a style/sweaty...

A few years ago, I would have scoffed at spending £75 on a t-shirt. But then I started reviewing gear for DC and began to appreciate what you actually get for your money. Sure, you can get a nice-looking t-shirt...

From time-to-time, it’s necessary to make a compromise in either style or functionality, especially if you’re on a budget. Don’t get me wrong, there’s an increasing number of real top-quality jackets that are marrying waterproof, reflective features with smart urban...

Do you ever come across a piece of clothing that you just love? Well, that’s exactly how I feel about the John Smedley Lundy pullover. To me, it is perfect. Now, I realise that in any good product review you...

There’s nothing worse than uncomfortable underwear on a long bike ride. Some people opt for padded shorts, some go for generic cycling shorts, while others opt for their regular undies. But there’s a real lack of good-looking sporty underwear out...

I go through airport security a lot these days, but when I went through scanners at Düsseldorf Airport a couple of weeks ago, I was worried the bomb squad was going to be called for me. Working remotely – a...

Okay, let’s get this out the way, because I don’t want to lead you on (or you to try shooting yourself in the leg). These cycling chinos AREN’T actually bulletproof. *boo* *hiss* I know, I know. But SPOKE have named...

How much do you love cycling? Is your hallway littered with bicycles? Do you have dodgy tanlines and no bodily hair? Do your thighs tingle at the thought of brutal ascents? If so, you’re gonna bloomin’ love t-lab’s range of...

Resolute Bay have been producing great cycling jeans with reflective detailing since launching in 2015, and now they’re expanding their product range – starting with a rain jacket. The LS1 Rain Jacket is no normal waterproof cycling jacket though. Oh...

The number one article of clothing for any urban cyclist should be a good pair of stylish, comfortable and functional trousers. A pair that fit well, look good and offer a good amount of stretch and breathability. Getting your legwear...

It goes without saying that being seen by other road users when you’re cycling is vital. And while a good front and rear LED set up is a decent start, something a bit more eye-catching – especially when you’re at...

Layering in the winter months is vital. And a key asset in your layering arsenal should be a nice hoodie. Pop on a t-shirt, throw over a hoodie or jumper and a medium-weight jacket and you should be plenty warm...

For the most part of 2016, I have been wearing pretty much one pair of jeans: the Resolute Bay Cordura jeans that I reviewed back in March. It’s not that I don’t own other jeans. I probably own four or...

Last year I reviewed LUMO’s Herne Hill Harrington, a jacket that was particularly eye-catching due to its unique LED integration that ensures maximum visibility in low light. Now LUMO are back with an all-new, yet ever-so-familiar, jacket. LUMO caught people’s...

One of my favourite things to discover is an outfit that is functional for cycling without necessarily having been intended to be so. Any clothing that is comfortable, flexible, and ideally breathable, is off to a winning start. John Smedley’s...

Regular jeans can be some of most unforgiving pieces of clothing when it comes to cycling, they can get warm and sweaty, rarely offer much give (especially if you opt for a slim or straight fit) and can also leave...

I received a couple of new shirts before Christmas that feature, ahem, NASA technology. How many shirts do you own with NASA technology? Didn’t think so… peasants. Alas, though, I’m not about to join Tim Peake on the International Space...

When reviewing products for Discerning Cyclist, I often find that they tend to lean more towards style or – as is more often the case – functionality. It is a rare case indeed that discovers the perfect balance between the...